How indigenous peoples preserve their forests amidst commercialization

Where there are forests, there are indigenous peoples.

If there is one thing about indigenous ancestral lands that sparks hope for the future, it is the fact that they host most of the Philippines’ last remaining old-growth forests. These forests are not only a critical refuge for the country’s vanishing wildlife but are imperative natural defenses against the looming impacts of climate change. They are key to ensuring food security in a country ravaged by centuries of unimpeded logging, mining and deforestation.

This also holds true in many countries elsewhere where indigenous peoples (IPs) have long co-existed with their natural environment. This harmonious existence allowed them to develop traditions and customs that recognize the importance of preserving the land and its resources and passing these to future generations. For them, forest preservation is inextricably linked to their very existence.

That same concept applies in the Philippines. Despite centuries of colonization, many IPs managed to preserve their rich culture, including their mindset and practice of living harmoniously with the land.

In Apayao province, one of the country’s last ecological frontiers, we find the Isnag tribes who developed a unique forest conservation system called lapat. The concept is simple. Once the community elders or chieftains declare a part of the forest as lapat, no one is allowed to forage or hunt there for a certain period. This will allow the forest to regenerate and become a safe breeding ground for wildlife. The period of lapat implementation can vary, depending on the necessity.

Lapat is not only applied in the forest but also in other natural ecosystems such as rivers. Once a portion of a river is declared a lapat, then fishing in that spot is prohibited until the elders say otherwise.

The Isnags believe that by implementing lapat, they can sustain their rich forests and rivers, recognizing these as their food sources. Certainly, lapat worked as Apayao remains predominantly forested while its surrounding provinces have been stripped of their primary forests.

In recent years, researchers have sighted Philippine Eagles and giant Rafflesia flowers within Apayao’s remote forests.

Then there’s the muyong system of Ifugao, home to the renowned Banaue Rice Terraces. Muyong is an Ifugao term that translates to forest or woodlot. It can be viewed from various perspectives such as forest conservation strategy, watershed protection or assisted natural regeneration.

Muyong plots are typically small, ranging from 0.6 to 2.4 hectares, and these are usually situated on hilly terrains and the upper elevations. In Banaue, for example, designated muyong plots lie above the famed rice terraces. This is by no means a coincidence. The inhabitants are pretty much aware that maintaining the forests sustains creeks and brooks that irrigate their rice paddies. These are also important food sources as they host wild fruits, vegetables and wildlife.

Muyong does not only apply to existing forests, as some locals establish plots in denuded areas. They do so by planting a mix of native and exotic species, usually fruit-bearing trees. Essentially, they can turn barren hills or slopes into thriving agroforestry farms, gradually restoring biodiversity and ecological services.

Undoubtedly, muyong hugely contributed to the productivity and stability of Ifugao’s rice terraces since time immemorial.

There are many more of these sustainability forest management systems across the country and elsewhere. However, these remain under-appreciated. Whilst government strategies have been focused on adopting Western sustainability models, the IPs have long successfully lived harmoniously with the forest.

It is high time that our so-called educated leaders listen to indigenous voices and to learn from their time-tested models.

Sure. Challenges and times have changed. And yes, there is also the need to integrate modern and scientific approaches. But in a lot of cases, the solutions are already there. Concrete examples exist. So when we talk about forest management and addressing climate change and food security, we can always learn from the examples of our indigenous communities.

Think about it. They withstood colonial attempts and managed to preserve their rich culture and ecological heritage. The forests within their ancestral domains are now critical water sources, supplying communities and cities and irrigating lowland farms.

Thankfully, there are now emerging platforms, locally and internationally, providing opportunities for these indigenous systems to be communicated and legitimized as concrete strategies for forest conservation and sustainability as a whole.

But more needs to be done. And we can all start from this awareness.

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Daniel Maches is a young coffee farmer and social entrepreneur. He has been initiating grassroots initiatives to promote forest conservation vis-à-vis community- based development. He is a proud member of the indigenous I-Lias tribe in Barlig, Mountain Province.